There is a new attraction at Blackstrap Provincial Park this summer that is taking some beach-goers away from their sand castles — at least temporarily — and into the water.
People ages five and up can now slide, swing, splash, bounce and jump on inflatable play structures. The one at Blackstrap — there are others at Danielson Park and at Regina Beach — has 13 different on-water challenges.
Stephanie Baer, the owner of Aquatic Adventures, said the company’s success at Regina Beach last summer led to this year’s expansion at Blackstrap and Danielson.
A water park user holds his nose as
he is about to hit the water.
Blackstrap is an easy summer drive from Saskatoon for many people, while Danielson covers a swath of land in the Outlook, Davidson areas.
Baer, a nurse in Regina and resident at Regina Beach, said she saw on-water parks during vacation trips to Alberta and British Columbia. There was a void in Saskatchewan that she decided to fill.
She said the water playground did well at Regina Beach last summer.
“We were brand new, so it took a while to get the word out, but it spread really fast and it did great. It’s doing even better this year.” She’s happy with the results at Danielson and Blackstrap as well.
“The word is getting out about them, so it’s good. It’s a good way for people to get out and get onto the water.”
There is no doubt that many people are suffering the COVID blues, which is an extra incentive to enjoy the outdoors after months of staying close to home.
One of the things people in Saskatchewan talk about is weather.
Baer said her staff at each site keep a close watch on what is brewing in the sky. She tries to avoid being obsessed with weather radar, she said with a laugh.
“It can drive you nuts and it can be so unpredictable. It can say it’s going to be stormy at one location and it’s absolutely sunny there.
“We have site managers at each location and they pay attention to the weather; they are the ones who are watching it and tracking it and making the decisions on when they are going to close (if there are wind gusts over 65 kph or lightning storms moving into the area.)”
There is a list of safety features at the parks. First and foremost, there are lifeguards on duty at all times when the structures are open, Baer stressed.
Among others are:
• Life Jackets must be worn at all times and are provided with admission.
• All patrons must be competent swimmers.
• Watches, jewellery, keys or other sharp objects must be removed before using Aquatic Adventures.
• Children must be 5 years of age or older to enter the park.
• Children 5-9 must be accompanied by an adult (18+).
• There is no access to the park if pregnant or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
There are all kinds of pricing options, which are listed on the company’s website. For example, the price is $11 per hour for those between the ages of five and 13, and $13 per hour for those 14 and older. There are all-day passes, season passes and family passes as well.
There is pricing for special events, such as birthday parties and family reunions. The parks are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and will be until Sept. 7. “He pretty much lives on it; it’s his new favourite thing.”
For more information, visit www.saskaquaticadventures.com
-Cam Hutchinson